Tips for Caring for a Senior Suffering from Hepatitis C

There are approximately 3.2 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with Hepatitis C and though there will be approximately 2,200 new cases reported, experts estimate that the true number of new cases is up to 13 times higher. This means that the vast majority of those who are living with this infection do not even know that they are living with it, putting them at serious risk of complications and putting those around them at severe risk of infection. If you are a family caregiver for a senior who is suffering this disease, the care that you give them can make a tremendous difference in their health and well-being moving forward.

Elderly Care in Coral Springs FL: Tips for Caring for a Senior Suffering from Hepatitis C

Use these tips to help you care for a senior suffering from Hepatitis C:

Discourage drinking. Hepatitis C is a disease of the liver. Alcohol can lead to extensive damage of the liver, including increasing the rate at which liver disease will progress. If your elderly parent drinks alcohol, encourage them to stop to protect their liver.

Talk to their doctor about their medications. After your parent is diagnosed with Hepatitis C, be sure to talk to their doctor about all of the medications that they are currently taking. There are certain medications, including those that are readily available over-the-counter, that can lead to serious liver damage or that can increase liver damage. Talking to their doctor can identify if your parent is taking any of these medications and if they should change their medications or if there are other measures that should be taken to reduce your parent’s risk.

Avoid blood contamination. Hepatitis C is an extremely contagious disease that can be passed to others through contact with the blood of an infected person. As a family caregiver, this means that you might be at increased risk. Take careful precautions not to come into contact with your parent’s blood, including wearing gloves and never sharing cups, razors, or toothbrushes with your senior.

If you have been looking for a way to enhance your aging loved one’s quality of life and help them to live a more active, engaged, and fulfilling lifestyle as they age in place, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting elderly care for them. An elderly home care services provider can be with your aging parent on a customized schedule to ensure that they get the care, support, and assistance that they need, when they need it, while also keeping you at the forefront of their care routine. This means that they will be able to address their individual needs, challenges, and limitations in a way that is right for them while pursuing more independence throughout their later years. If your senior is struggling with a serious medical condition or other issue, this care provider can be invaluable for their health, well-being, and quality of life as they age in place. This can include helping them to make good lifestyle choices, offering support and encouragement, and providing valuable reminders that will help them to remain compliant with their prescriptions and treatments.

If you or a family member are in need of elderly care in Coral Springs, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

About the author: Liza Erazo, Administrator

Liza Erazo has recently joined the Star Multi Care team as Administrator of the Florida branch. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and transferred to Florida in 1996 to continue her healthcare career culminating a 10-year track in the cut-throat, New York Business Development market.

She gained another 20 year of administrative and marketing experience within the Florida healthcare market before accepting the position with Star Multi Care. Focusing on advocating for seniors has always been her passion and she plans on continuing this quest while working with Star.

Liza spends much of her free time volunteering with advocacy groups. She currently is a Florida Elder Mediator, the Chairman for the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the Alzheimers’ Family Center, and sits on the Advisory Council for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County.

Her family also remains a priority in her life. Ms. Erazo raised her two children while working and pursuing her Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She prides herself in the joys her three grandchildren bestow upon her and values the time she spends with them.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Star Multi Care Services of Florida strives for total satisfaction in all of our customer and business relationships. We believe patients and their families deserve the peace of mind that our compassionate caregivers provide each day. This means providing the very best in home health care services.Part of the Star Multi Care Network